Journal Development Editor

SCI runs over 50 conferences and events each year and has a range of publishing and award activities. Today, SCI has members in over 70 countries and with over 900 companies and many academic institutions represented in our network.

The role

Reporting to the Publisher (Journals), you’ll drive the strategic development of a set of SCI journals - some established, some new launches. You’ll use data to grow submissions, quality and impact; build high-performing editorial boards; commission high-value special/thematic issues; and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to increase visibility, reputation and author experience.

Applicants are expected to have a degree in physical sciences, bring experience in STEM publishing and be London based.

What you’ll do

• Grow and Support Editorial boards for your portfolio, aligned to journal KPIs (submissions, usage, citations, impact).
• Build & engage editorial boards - identifying gaps, onboarding members, enabling effective decision-making and advocacy.
• Commission strategically - thematic issues, invited reviews, and content aligned to community needs and emerging areas.
• Optimise the pipeline - work with editorial/production teams to keep turnaround time and service levels on target.
• Champion quality & integrity - promote best practice in peer review, ethics, open research and research integrity.
• Own the insight - track competitor activity, field trends and bibliometrics to inform positioning and development.
• Amplify reach - partner with SCI marketing/events to drive discoverability, author engagement and community presence (including conference attendance).
• Support launches - contribute to new-title strategy, positioning and early-stage content acquisition.
• Collaborate widely - with internal teams across SCI to maximise outreach and impact.

Minimum requirements

• A relevant science degree in physical sciences (e.g. chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biology, biochemistry, horticultural science) is essential.
• Ideally 2+ years’ experience working on STEM journals (development, commissioning or editorial) is essential.
• Working knowledge of Open Access and open research practices.
• Strong relationship skills with academics, editors and partners; clear, confident communication.
• Sound understanding of publishing workflows and peer review; organised and calm under deadlines.
• Data-literate - comfortable interpreting submissions, usage and citation data to drive decisions.
• Proactive, resilient, and a collaborative teammate who can also work independently.
• Advanced Excel skills desirable.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate a right to work in the UK and ability to work in the London office a minimum mandated number of days.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
• Market-leading pension plan.
• Opportunities to grow your career.
• Dynamic, collaborative environment.

Additional Information

London office-based with some hybrid working

To Apply

Send your CV and a covering letter, including your right to work in the UK and degree details, via the 'Apply' button above (E:publications@soci.org).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; early applications are encouraged.